Best HD Camera for 4:3 NTSC Protection
by danappel
on
Apr 25, 2007 at 6:13:20 pm
Anybody have an opinion (backed up by experience/science, preferably not passion) on what is the best HD field camera to use if you know that the end user (a cable network, btw) will be using the footage full-frame 4:3 NTSC. (Shooting 24p over 60i)
I have had issues in the past with soft 4:3 downconverts, though I suspect the equipment they do the conversion on makes a difference as well.
All conversions equal, what's the better camera, the Sony F900 or F900R, Panasonic Varicam or HDX900...?
(And second logical question would be: If you absolutely know that the footage will ONLY be used in NTSC SD, is there any benefit to shooting in a HD format?)
Re: Best HD Camera for 4:3 NTSC Protection by Del Holford on Apr 26, 2007 at 6:25:49 pm
The best camera for field work has always been an Arriflex or Aaton 35mm camera. HD video cameras cost less to purchase and hold a longer load. If the production will never ever be HD the best camera might be the Ikegami HL-59 with a DVC Pro 50 deck or the Sony DVW-970 Digital Betacam. Since the end user is a cable network using CCIR-601 footage, 24p shouldn't be necessary.
We shoot with both the Ike HL-59 and a Sony HDW-700 and after downconversion of the HDCam vs. the original DVC Pro50 footage one would be hard pressed to tell the difference watching it over a cable system.
HTH
Del
fire*, smoke*, photoshopCS2
Charlotte Public Television
Re: Best HD Camera for 4:3 NTSC Protection by Bob Zelin on Apr 27, 2007 at 1:37:23 am
Del -
this guy wants the 24p look - you do acknowlege that shooting at 23.98 looks different that shooting at normal frame rate - even when viewing in NTSC 525 - don't you ?
Great answer on working with the Arri or Aaton, however ! You can use any HD camera to shoot with, as the downconvert of any Sony or Panasonic HD VTR will give you a wonderful 4:3 output on the SDI or composite monitor output. Your HD VTR will do all the work for you - and this includes even products like the Sony JH-3 player.
Re: Best HD Camera for 4:3 NTSC Protection by Del Holford on Apr 27, 2007 at 7:22:00 pm
You're right Bob - I just wondered if that look is worth the expense for danappel's project. :-)
I've noticed that using the HDW-500's downconverter card is a teeny bit softer than importing the HD clip and downconverting on the timeline in fire. I'd never have noticed if I hadn't had to use the HD clip and use the timeline Axis to do a zoom and reposition. HD originated footage imported either way is so much prettier than SD.
Del
fire*, smoke*, photoshopCS2
Charlotte Public Television
Re: Best HD Camera for 4:3 NTSC Protection by Steve Wargo on Apr 28, 2007 at 5:06:26 pm
As for the "Why HD instead of SD" question: The HD imagers give better color, wider contrast ratios and a better overall image. Dowconversion happens when coming out of the deck. I see that you said "cable" station. Prices have really dropped on HD imaging and you might go to a HD rental house and ask them. But first, ask the client why they want origination on HD. Do they see any HD in their future? If I were shooting for cable, my choice would either be the HDX-900 or a Sony F-350. Make sure there's enough money in it to make a decent profit. If this is a long term comittment, get a contract from the client.
